Toro Rosso and Renault cleared over alleged illegal engine test

Toro Rosso and Renault have both been cleared by the sport’s governing body, after speculation arose that the duo had partaken in an indoor engine test in Austria only a week before the start of the new Formula One season.

The test, which apparently had been undertaken on a rolling road with wind tunnel capabilities, came to light following allegations from an anonymous source.

After a relatively competitive start to the new Formula One season with Jean-Eric Vergne and Russian rookie Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso entered the limelight during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend after allegations arose in regards to a potential illegal engine test between the Faenza-based outfit and their engine supplier Renault.

The allegations stated that they had carried out an engine test several days prior to the start of the season, which under the strict testing regulations currently in place instantly sparked alarm bells within the paddock.

However, after several weeks of discussions between the FIA and Toro Rosso and their engine supplier, both have been cleared of any wrongdoing as the sport prepares to head to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix weekend.

The sport’s governing body has confirmed that the test in question, which was carried out at the Austrian AVL facility, was in fact carried out in full compliance with the current rules and regulations regarding testing.

Renault’s Head of Trackside Operations, Remi Taffin, explained that the French manufacturer were confused at the time as to why their assistance to Toro Rosso would be considered illegal.

“As far as we were concerned, it was to support Toro Rosso and try to get one more way to close the [performance] gap that we had at that point,” Taffin told AUTOSPORT. “Any dynos that would be available we could use – so we took the opportunity. It was just trying to get more dynos than what we had in Viry.”

With Toro Rosso and Renault now officially cleared of any wrongdoing, they will be looking ahead to Silverstone where they will be looking to enjoy a competitive weekend around the fast-flowing circuit.

The Italian outfit currently sits seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of both Lotus and Sauber despite their double-DNF at Austria last time out.